Iranian nationality law contains principles of both jus sanguinis and jus soli. Children acquire nationality of Iran through their fathers, but not their mothers. There has been a move in the past to change this law to enable a large population of Afghani men, and their Iranian-born children full citizenship. The full nationality law is defined in Book 2 of the Civil Code of Iran, Articles 976 through 991.
Definition of Iranian nationals
Article 976 of the Civil Code of Iran defines who is an Iranian national:
All residing in Iran except those whose foreign nationality is established; the foreign nationality of such persons is considered to be established if their documents of nationality have not been objected to by the Iranian Government.
Those born in Iran or outside whose father is Iranian.
Those born in Iran of unknown parentage.
People born in Iran of foreign parents, one of whom was also born in Iran.
People born in Iran of a father of foreign nationality who have resided at least one more year in Iran immediately after reaching the full age of 18; in other cases their naturalization as Iranian subjects will be subject to the stipulations for Iranian naturalization laid down by the law. New legislation passed by the Iranian Parliament in 2012 grants permanent residency to children born to Iranian mothers and foreign fathers.
Every woman of foreign nationality who marries an Iranian husband.
An application for naturalisation as an Iranian must be submitted to either directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or through the Governors, or the Governors-General and must contain certified copies of identity documents in relation to the applicant and his family. certificate certifying period of residence, clean criminal record, sufficient property and employment that ensures a livelihood.
Iran does not recognize dual nationality, and considers dual citizens as Iranian citizens only. Nevertheless, article 977 of the Civil Code of Iran deals with multiple citizenship. As a consequence of Paragraphs 4 or 5 of article 976, some Iranian minors may have multiple citizenship. If they wish to retain the non-Iranian nationality after age 18, they have to inform Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In theory, voluntary renunciation of Iranian citizenship is possible for persons over the age of 25, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers. However this rarely occurs in practical terms.
